Bruno Tonioli has reportedly ruled out appearing in person to judge Strictly Come Dancing this year.
The choreographer normally splits his time between the BBC show and Dancing with the Stars in the US.
However, Bruno has allegedly told friends that he can no longer do both, with logistics likely to be more complicated due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As The Sun reports, a source said: ‘Bruno can’t commit to both shows right now and is staying put in LA — it’s a better lifestyle there, with great weather, which is good for his health.
‘He earns close to £1million a series in America, so he has to prioritise that. Of course, he’s still very much part of the Strictly family and is keen to appear on a video link several times through the series.’
The reports also state that BBC bosses have told Bruno that he has to commit to the 2021 series to receive his full £250,000 pay.
It comes after Bruno appeared over videolink in the most recent run, with the Italian reportedly making £33,000 per minute on the programme. The judge took a pay cut as a result of his reduced air time, but still earned £125,000 for his appearances on the show.
Travel restrictions meant that he could not fly out for Strictly every week as he usually does. It meant he missed appearing in person for the first time in 16 years.
Instead of replacing Bruno, Strictly bosses will reportedly keep Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse in a three-person judging line-up.
The source added: ‘Of course, Bruno will be back — he’s irreplaceable.’
The most recent series of Strictly Come Dancing was won by Bill Bailey and his professional dancing partner Oti Mabuse.
The comedian beat Maisie Smith, HRVY and Jamie Laing in the final. The likes of Ranvir Singh, Nicola Adams, Clara Amfo and Caroline Quentin also took part in the series.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Bruno Tonioli’s representatives and the BBC for comment
Strictly Come Dancing is available on BBC iPlayer
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MORE : Strictly Come Dancing 2020: Bruno Tonioli ‘earning £33,000 a minute’ on the series
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